New Orleans Triennial and Panafrica Exhibitions Explore Global Realities

The New Orleans triennial, Prospect New Orleans, is set to take place from November 2, 2024, to February 2, 2025. This event, first held in 2008 following Hurricane Katrina, aims to address the vulnerabilities faced by Black and poor Americans while challenging the notion of social progress. The theme for this year's edition, 'The Future Is Present, the Harbinger Is Home,' reflects on the city's complex history shaped by colonialism, the slave trade, and climate change. Artistic directors Miranda Lash and Ebony G. Patterson emphasize New Orleans as a site of both historical reflection and future possibilities. The triennial coincides with a significant election year, highlighting the ongoing political and social challenges faced globally, including crises in Gaza, Sudan, Congo, and Ukraine. In addition to the triennial, a series of 'Panafrica' exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago will explore themes of global interconnectedness and cultural dialogue. These exhibitions aim to foster fresh ideas and conversations about the realities of life across different regions. The events underscore the role of artists and curators in documenting and interpreting contemporary issues while navigating the complexities of institutional politics and economic precarity. As the world grapples with various crises, these exhibitions serve as a platform for envisioning new ways of living and coexisting.